New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-04-30
SOME OF MR.. MCoNvILLEs METHODS.

SOME OE NIX. MCONNILLES
CHARGES AGAINST HIS OFFICIAL INTEGRITY THAT
HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED..
WASHINGTON April 30 (SpecidD.-It ia understood
that serious charges affecting the official integrity OF
Sixth Auditor McConville, of the Treasury Depart
meut sent to the President several months ago
and were referred by him to the Secretary OF the
Treasury II cannot be learned that any action look
ing 10 an investigation has been taken In brief the
substance of the charges IS that in adjustment and
settlement OF old claims against the Post once Dc
partment, a certain firm OF claim agents has been
undu.y favored at the expense OF other claim agents
that the firm in question mas been afforded speciai
facilities for obtaining inside information respect
ing the status OF claims and claimants and that the
pros perity OF its business il an object OF much
socitude to the Auditor At the head OF the favored
firm is ex-Auditor McGrew whose sudden and inyol-
untary retirement from office in consequence OF the
exposure of the Star Route frauds may be remem-
bered In January 1885, resolution OF the Bouse OF
Representatives required report from all the
accounting officers OF the Treasury Department snow
ing rho balances due to and from the United States.
Auditor McConyille did not furnish the statement
required but sent in lien thereof letter saying tbat
it would take twenty-five clerks four years to compile
the report and that the publication OF statement OF
balances due from the Government TO individuals
" would offer opportunities for fraud requiring careful
watchiulness TO detect
Mr. nicCon ,ile. however, said that " the required
data will be scheduled rapidly the necessity Tor
the current revenues and observing the
contract stipulation as payne ut OF man e9ntraetors
auces due late postmastors aud contractors" Com
plants have been repeatedly made to Senators ana
that certain claim agents ENJOY
special facilities for obtaining information respecting
the hidden balances aud are enabled to reap rch
profit from the % per cent they levy on the persons
entitled to the money, many OF whom are ignorant OF
their rights in the premises until advised by the
agents. OF the publication OF the balances
would interfere seriously with the profits OF tn SO
gentry. OF there may be no relation between
Auditor McConyiIles failure TO supply the ntornia
ton called by Congress aid the business interests
OF favored claim agents, hat some claim agents who
have been unable to ngratiate themselves with BIN
hold strong opinions TO the contrary. go
Mr. McConville has been rather successful in getting
rid of Republicans aud appointing Democrats In their
places On two occasions. at least II Is asserted that
he sent back the OF clerks certified to him Tor
appointment by the Civil Service Commissioners
solely because he discovered that they wers Repuoli
cans IL is asserted also, that clerk who was found
guilty OF loaning money his fellow clerks at e1or-
Dant rates of interest, and was dismissed therefor
was permitted 70 I've absent from the office almost
for nearly year before he was dis
charged. his duties being performed in the meantime
by old of seventy years from MI Melon
yIlle's town OF Stcubenyiile